The Top 7 Beginner Fountain Pens Under $25 for 2019

Update: The Top 7 Beginner Fountain Pens Under $25 for 2019

So, you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from that ballpoint or roller-ball and you’re going to make the jump to your first fountain pen. First off, great move! Fountain pens are both a more enjoyable, and a far more personal way to write. Smooth strokes gliding easily over the page can make even jotting down the weekly grocery list fun. The greater control a nib offers can make each word an opportunity to hone your handwriting too. Get the bug and this could even be the start of a fun hobby.

But with the huge amount of choice out there it can be difficult to know where to start your journey. There are plenty of options, and many ways to drop serious dough even before you’re sure ink pens are right for you. In this short guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best options out there that let you dip your nib into those swirling inky waters of endless possibility (without breaking the bank).

The Perkeo is a handsome writing instrument with purposeful design and boasts Kaweco’s typically robust construction. The pen’s octagonal anti-roll cap complements the multi-faceted barrel, and a triangular section ensures a comfortable grip that’s great for beginner writers looking to perfect their penmanship. This resin fountain pen comes in a number of color options including a gorgeous Old Chambray, with a muted blue cap and ivory white barrel.

Sleek and minimalist, the Nemonsine Singularity is a stylish entry-level option. Silver bands and elegant nib flourishes round off the pen’s sophisticated aesthetic. A solid clip means you can trust it to stay in your pocket and the screw cap makes it a safe enough option for carry. Worth noting is the Singularity’s range of nib options including one or two not typically found on pens at this price point. Sizes such as EF and 0.6mm stub nibs make it a great and inexpensive way for even experienced fountain pen users to try new setups. Choose from a variety of colored and demonstrator options to suit.

The transparent resin body of this demonstrator fountain pen from Monteverde shows off the internals (perfect for geeks) as well as allowing your ink choice to add a splash of color to the pen. The tapering cigar shape nods towards far more lofty pen brands and is available in a choice of colors as well as a completely clear version. The box it comes in can even be reused as a more than serviceable pen case, making this budget fountain pen great value for money.

The Plasir fountain pen punches firmly above its price point in both looks and writing experience. A polished anodized aluminum body and cap give heft without weight and can be selected in a variety of colors to suit. Platinum’s innovative “Slip & Seal” lid design, a feature found on many of their far pricier models, allows the Plasir to be left inked and capped for a year before the nib will dry out. Perfect for Sunday writers.

The only piston filling fountain pen in this lineup, the TWSBI Go lets you fill up from bottled ink, which is generally less expensive than ink cartridges and available in far more colors and shades. Ink remaining is easy to see through the Go’s transparent body. Unlike the twist action usually found on piston fillers, this pen uses a spring-loaded plunger for easy filling and flushing, making it a great option for those looking to try out different inks. Whilst this compact pen doesn’t feature a clip, there is an attachment hole for a lanyard for secure carry.

This entry is certainly one of the more playful designs in this guide. Aimed at younger fountain pen users, the nib’s friendly face indicates which way to hold the pen. But beyond the jovial appearance, the Kakuno is actually a very well designed pen. The triangular grip makes it easy to get your grip just right, and indentations in the hexagonal lid make uncapping the pen a breeze. Take note, there’s no pocket clip but the Kakuno still feels highly portable. The standout feature is the nib, which performs on par with some of Pilot’s highly regarded (and pricier) offerings – ensuring a great writing experience regardless of whether or not this is your first fountain pen.

At the questionably low price of $5, you’d be forgiven for wondering how much of a quality writing experience the X750 could deliver. However, the pen’s metal construction feels considerably more sturdy than resin pens, and the large nib with its elegant flourish makes this writing instrument look far from cheap. Although the wet writing steel nib is only available in one size (Medium) it can be easily swapped with any other #6 nib to meet your preference. Jinhao’s X750 is offered in a variety finishes, and at this price why not grab a few!

There you have it, our favorite beginner fountain pens for 2019 – all clocking in under $25. While $25 for a pen might seem like a lot of money to a newcomer, you’re buying something that could, in theory, last you the rest of your life. You know, until the addiction hits and one turns to 5, then 10, then 20…

Do you have a favorite affordable fountain pen? If so, let us know in the comments below!

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Always on the lookout for well-designed pens and other Everyday Carry gear.
Currently residing in the South West, U.K.
Spends too much time and money on hiking, single-malts and anything with an industrial or vintage vibe.

3 thoughts on “The Top 7 Beginner Fountain Pens Under $25 for 2019”

Out of all of these, only the TWSBI Go is brand new entry. Even the Perkeo is a re-release of a 1900-something model.
I can personally vouch for the Singularity, hands down one of my more solid pen for its price.
The Kakuno uses the same nib as the Metro and 78G, so its performance is no-brainer.
I’m curious, since 2018, there has been a strong wave of Chinese models, some can fit comfortably in the 25$ price range, why not give them a spotlight ? X750 is no count, Brian Goulet has been mentioning it since like, 2016,2017

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